Writing Goals Right
When you do a Google search on how to write goals, SMART goals pop up frequently. SMART is an accronym for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound
Exactly what are you trying to accomplish?
Be as specific and detailed as you can. Consider your motivation. Do you need help from others?
How will you measure your progress?
Qualitative Examples
- Journal writing
- Surveys with comments
- Selecting a face from a smiley continium
Quantitative Examples
- Checking a calendar
- Placing pennies in a jar
- Clocking hours
- Attaining benchmarks
- Mastery assessment
Are your goals realistic?
Do you have the background skills necessary to accomplish your goals? If not, can you obtain them? Also consider if your goal is worth the effort.
How does this goal fit into the big picture?
Consider whether or not your goal is helping you to obtain a larger objective. Also consider the timing. Do you really need to work on this goal at this point in your life?
How much time is needed?
Is your deadline realistic? Can you set timelines for benchmarks along the way to make sure you are on the right track?
Once you have considered answers to the SMART goal characteristics, it’s time to write you goal. Fill in the blanks in the template below and get started achieving your goal.
I will ____________ at ___________ in _____________.
(your action), (time of day), (location)
To measure my progress, I will___________ and review this
(measurement tool),
every __________ until ___________.
(measure of time) (deadline)
I will _______________
(your action)
at ________________
(time of day)
in ________________
(location)
To measure my progress, I will
____________________
(measurement tool)
and review this every _____
(measure of time)
until ______________.
(deadline)
I will ____________ at ___________
(your action), (time of day),
in _____________.
(location)
To measure my progress, I will___________
(measurement tool),
and review this every __________
(measure of time)
until ___________. (deadline)
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”
Need More Resources?
I finally accomplished my goal of finishing a half marathon after starting and stopping training due to injuries.
